Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also thank Mr. Hayes for coming before the committee. I have three questions for Teagasc and three more for Bord Bia. For Teagasc, we are far below where we should be in terms of the amount of land used for organic farming and, considering our reputation for world-class product, it is hard to understand why. We have set ourselves targets but we are starting from a very low base. In the context of moving ahead as quickly as we can, I ask Professor Boyle to tell us what he believes has been the largest impediment to increasing the level of organic farming in the country. On the issue of speed, are there certain types of land that are more immediately suitable for organic farming, such as hill lands where fertilisers are less commonly used?

The IFA has stated that the organic sector is under-resourced when it comes to a number of factors, including production research and development of specialised advisory services. Is this Professor Boyle's experience? He just touched on this issue. As Tipperary proudly boasts the most fertile landscapes in the country, I ask Professor Boyle to tell us about the work being carried out on pasture-based dairy in Solohead and how it is progressing. I will come back in with questions for Bord Bia.